World Vision UK joins UN and Yvette Cooper in calling for protection of civilians in Sudan

The UN report on actions in El Fasher echoes World Vision UK's sentiment on the need to protect civilians.

International children's charity World Vision UK welcomes the statement of commitment from the Foreign Secretary to shine a spotlight on the situation in Sudan, following a report from the UN highlighting the suffering in El Fasher specifically, including widespread gender-based violence.  

This is an urgent situation that needs immediate global action. 

The families and children of Sudan have been waiting for far too long for assistance from the international community. There have been nearly three years of suffering, and enough is enough.

Word Vision began working in Sudan in 1983, and is one of the largest suppliers of humanitarian assistance in both Sudan and bordering countries who are taking in millions of Sudanese seeking refuge. World Vision is also the World Food Programme’s largest implementation partner, working together to try to stem the increasing levels of acute malnutrition and hunger.

The United Nations reports that women and children are disproportionately affected by conflict, suffering high rates of death, injury, and displacement. This latest report underscores the urgent need for immediate action.

“What we are seeing in Sudan is systematic sexual violence against women — and against girls, including very young girls. Girls face lifelong consequences: trauma, stigma, early pregnancy and loss of education. Survivors urgently need safe medical care," says Fola Komolafe, World Vision UK CEO.

According to a 2024 World Vision report on Hunger and Sexual Violence in Sudan, one in five women displaced by the Sudan crisis have experienced sexual violence, a figure that is likely an undercount due to stigma and limited reporting.  

While World Vision does not work in El Fasher currently, Fina Camp in South Darfur has supported those fleeing the city, and Renk Transit Centre in South Sudan, where World Vision works, is supporting those leaving the country. 

World Vision UK CEO Fola Komolafe MBE DL has just returned from Renk, where she witnessed first-hand the work being done there. She talked with women and mothers to hear their heartbreaking stories of displacement, and witnessed how funding shortfalls have led to a critical lack of resources as well as acute hunger and malnutrition. 

World Vision UK is joining with partners for a petition calling on the UK Government to take concrete action to end suffering in Sudan.